The Grothe Story: setting the record straight.

[Stagger eel]

I wouldn't normally do this, but i felt compelled to set the record straight regarding the gutter story that appeared in the Sunday Telegraph today.

I thought this one deserved it's own thread..

I won't reveal the source but about 15 minutes ago I rec'd a phone call close the to the Wenty camp who told me streight out that Eric was always going to turn up at the Airport, the reason why he was late was that Eric and Jacob Byrne who live in the shire decided to make their own way to the airport instead of getting the bus from the leagues club like the rest of them and were unfortunately caught in pretty bad traffic on the way, a phone call or 2 was made from Erics phone to officials reiterating that he was running late and but was well on his way with Jacob in getting there on time.

When the the boys finally arrived management were there waiting for him and assited him and Jacob in getting them prepared to bored the plane, at that time journalist David Riccio who was hanging around with a cameraman decided to go up to Eric where Eric flatly said to him that he didn't want to make a comment as he was in a hurry to get on the plane, Riccio obviously dirty with the snub decided, in my opion, get his own back by writing an unflattering piece regarding Eric nearly missing the plane.

I'm lead to believe that Eric's attitude has been fantastic at training, he's working hard and was always looking forward to playing in NZ..

there you have it.

[Parra]

Can't wait for him to get back into first grade.

He would have killed 'em today.

[bartman]

This David Riccio seems like a bit of journalistic scum in the making... the type you'd wipe off your shoe if you stepped in it

[Nikki]

There is no mention of Cardinals horse in that story..

[bartman]

Eric should have a month with Wenty and be owning that comp weekly before getting back into firsts - same should have applied to Tim Smith, no premature returns until it's evidence of confidence and performance.

[parraitdoesmatta]

Thanks Stagger's. Any word on how he performed?

[Stagger eel]

Originally Posted by bartman

This David Riccio seems like a bit of journalistic scum in the making... the type you'd wipe off your shoe if you stepped in it

scumm is a pretty strong word Barty, I think he's just a young cowboy with a lack of ethics...

[Stagger eel]

Originally Posted by parraitdoesmatta

Thanks Stagger's. Any word on how he performed?

funnily enough, I didn't ask but another sorce told me that he was admirable at best.

[eels_fan_01]

I thought he was having trouble with getting hes head out of hes own ass, thats why he was late but im glad you have cleared that up.

[bartman]

Originally Posted by Stagger eel

scumm is a pretty strong word Barty, I think he's just a young cowboy with a lack of ethics...

Sorry, in journalism I thought they pretty much meant one and the same.

[Stagger eel]

Originally Posted by bartman

Sorry, in journalism I thought they pretty much meant one and the same.

lol..ok maybe.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by eels_fan_01

I thought he was having trouble with getting hes head out of hes own ass, thats why he was late but im glad you have cleared that up.

TBH, Eric is a relaxed, layed back kinda guy. Nothing seems to phase him. But what people forget is that his Father had the same attitude to a lot of things, and has even admitted that. Eric Snr was just probably luckier to play in an era where there was not as much media scrutiny.

[would rather brian]

part time footballer !!!!!!!!

[bartman]

...and luckier to play when players had to hold down real jobs, and were not paid small fortunes, expected to be professional and at their club's beck and call to earn the pay cheque.

[bradeel]

Disgraceful. Surprised the story wasn't commissioned by the 2GB Continuous Call Team.

Appreciate you taking the time to set the record straight.